Monte Sole and Monte Tramontana Mountains in Venosta Valley in South Tyrol

Two unique hiking areas in the Alps

The Venosta Valley is one of the most fascinating valleys in the Alpine area. Embedded between high altitude mountain ranges reaching almost 4000m in height, the valley runs from east to west and has its own micro-climate. As a result it possesses special and characteristic climatic conditions: it is the valley with the least amount of precipitations in the entire Alps, boasting peaks with 320 days of sunshine. Due to its unique weather and east-west position, it offers two complete different sides: the sunny, arid Monte Sole mountain, in German "Sonnenberg", and the green, tree-lined Monte Tramontana mountain, "Nördersberg".

The sunnier side, Monte Sole mountain, is not only dry, but is usually quite warm and free from snowfall even during the entire winter season, making it a beautiful location for a relaxed sunny winter hiking tour. The flora and fauna in this area, which can reach soil temperatures of 70°C in the summer, are unique for the Alps. The plant life consists of a dry grassland community with steppe grass, downy oaks and dwarf shrubs, which are in turn home to many insects and rare reptiles, such as green lizards, as well as eagles, hawks and falcons.

On the opposite side from the arid, warm Monte Sole mountain extends the green, lush landscape of Monte Tramontana mountain. This cooler side of the east-west Venosta Valley is an ideal place in the summer for hiking, cycling and MTB. Characterized by its steep mountain ranges, it leads up to the Ortler mountain massif and the Stelvio National Park, the biggest natural park in Italy.

From Resia Lake to the monastery of Marienberg to the Ortler mountain, from the Stelvio Pass to Juval Castle: The holiday region of Venosta Valley in South Tyrol is reflected in all its cultural and natural diversity.

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